Blog Post

Honda, BMW experiment with the autonomous motorcycle

BMW and Honda(s hmc) have already added plenty of connectivity to their cars, but now they’re turning attention to vehicles that have fewer than four wheels. The two automotive giants are working with the University of Michigan and Australian startup Cohda Wireless to put networking smarts into their motorcycles.

Motorcycles may not have much room on their instrument panels for the connected infotainment systems going into today’s cars, but they could definitely benefit from any technology that makes mounting a crotch rocket safer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 5 percent of driving fatalities involved a motorcycle, but 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in injury if not death.

As for motorcycle applications, Cohda and UMTRI plan to test technologies that let bikes talk to traffic lights, roadside beacons and other cars, warning them of green lights about to turn red and dangerous curves ahead requiring them to slow down. By using a long-range secure form of Wi-Fi, a motorcycle could communicate with a car long before the drivers can see one another as they both approach a blind intersection.

6 Responses to “Honda, BMW experiment with the autonomous motorcycle”

While I agree motorcyclists don’t need distractions and riding should remain in the hands of the rider, this could have some benefits. Traffic lights and other cars could be told to “make way.” This could virtually eliminate the “I didn’t see him,” problem. And while we’re at it, can we get some Google Glass like tech in our helmets. I know there’s some simple HUD systems out there, but I shouldn’t have to look down at my tach/speed-o anymore.

What it should do is tell connected cars and lights to make way. Though I agree I want riding to remain in my hands, and I don’t want distractions, this should make the “I didn’t see him” factor go WAY down. While there at it, let’s get some Google Glass + Motorcycle Helmet tech going. Why do I have to look down at my speed-o still?

It’s a gradual evolution. The first autonomous driving technologies will function more like assisted driving system, but eventually they’ll become integrated with the drive train, allowing vehicles to react directly. Obviously for this to fully work, every vehicle on the road has to become connected. But in the interim will see sensors filling in the details vehicles can’t directly communicate.

Autonomous driving on two wheels? What is the point of that? Hang it all. I want my bike (and car for that matter) with a clutch and a gearbox. I want control, and I want to feel it. I want my motorcycle to be visceral and real.

As for “in touch with the road” there’s enough signs and billboards already. I don’t need blinking lights telling me the green is about to turn red. Re expensive tech “telling me there’s a blind curve” I prefer to use my eyes. Technology is no replacement for driving skills.

OK, autonomous driving for cars maybe, but bikes? Never. None of the tech described here is essential, and all of it will be the death of motorcycling if implemented. Money is better spent on building roads with safe infrastructure for motorcycles and tools to help us rider better.

If you want a vehicle that drives itself, take the bus.
Yours, Alex @EatSleepRIDE we build technology for motorcycle riders who ride.